Export: NACCIMA asks cocoa processors to consult NAFDAC

Olusola Obadimu, DG of NACCIMA, urged cocoa processors to engage with NAFDAC to resolve issues with its proposed Export Regulation 2024. The Cocoa Processors Association of Nigeria (COPAN) opposes the regulation, seeing it as redundant and harmful to the industry. COPAN’s Chairman, Felix Oladunjoye, criticized NAFDAC’s certification delays and questioned its role in the cocoa sector.
Obadimu suggested better dialogue to clarify NAFDAC’s intentions and improve industry relations. COPAN also called for a state of emergency in the cocoa industry, citing underused processing capacity, high taxes, and the loss of multinational investors. Despite these challenges, Nigeria is a leading global cocoa producer and exporter, ranking fourth worldwide with annual production of about 340,000 metric tones.

Source: Punch

Our Review
The current dispute between NAFDAC and Nigeria’s cocoa processors highlights critical challenges in the sector. Olusola Obadimu of NACCIMA advocates for dialogue to address concerns about the proposed Export Regulation 2024, which COPAN views as redundant and detrimental. Addressing certification delays and clarifying regulatory intentions could significantly impact the industry, ensuring smoother operations and fostering growth.
For the cocoa value chain, resolving these issues is vital. Streamlining certification processes and reducing regulatory overlap can enhance export readiness, attract investment, and optimize underused processing capacities. This approach not only supports cocoa processors but also stimulates broader economic activity and job creation.
Informed decisions and effective regulation can transform challenges into opportunities, strengthening Nigeria’s position as a top global cocoa producer.